Journal 2: Physical Development



Journal directions: Spend about 15 minutes observing in your classroom at the start of your visit. Use the attached form and observation checklist to take notes. Complete the journal by using notes to fill in the prompts below. It is fine to answer all prompts with bullets—except for the reflection, where complete sentences, though concise, are required.

Prompt 1: Body Growth--Describe the features of body growth for students in this classroom

• Average height & weight of most students in this classroom;

• Examples of extremes in body growth in the classroom;

• Evidence of sexual maturation? (explain)

• Is student body growth typical for these students given their age? Explain.

Prompt 2: Movement Development-Describe and analyze motor development in this classroom

• List examples of the kinds of fine motor skills you observed most students use

• What, if any, fine motor skills are difficult for most students?

• How is the classroom set up to accommodate and utilize the fine motor skills of these students?

• List examples of the kinds of gross motor skills you observed most students use

• What, if any, gross motor skills are difficult for most students

• How is the classroom set up to accommodate and utilize the gross motor skills of these students?

Prompt 3: Student Health—Observing and analyzing typical and atypical student health

• Do most students appear healthy? Explain.

• What evidence do you see for any of the following: obesity, fatigue, vision or hearing impairment, illness, etc. Explain.

• How does this classroom or school support student health? Explain.

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Reflection

1. What is one thing that stood out to you today at your school?

2. Why do you think this stood out to you?

3. What possible beliefs or assumptions do you think you have that might influence your work with students at this school?

Goal for next field visit (what do you want to learn or do when at your school next time?):

Grading Rubric: (worth 10 pts)

To get an “A” (9-10 pts)

• Handed in on time

• Shows comprehensive search for information

• All required items above addressed

• Typed and clearly worded

• Reflection shows consideration of own biases and impact on students

I will take off points for any missed criteria above and lower your grade accordingly.

|Observe |Data/List of Information |Comments |

|# males and females in classroom | | |

|Evidence of sexual maturation | | |

|Typical body size of males | | |

|Typical body size of females | | |

|Fine motor skills observed | | |

|Gross motor skills observed | | |

|Examples of fine motor skill difficulties | | |

|Examples of gross motor skill difficulties | | |

|Classroom use of motor skills | | |

|Examples of any health problems | | |

|Find from teacher or school website if possible: | | |

|Programs to support health | | |

|Programs to support safety | | |

|Common student health problems noticed by teacher | | |

|Other—here add anything else you observed you think might | | |

|related to student physical development | | |

Use this table to collect observation notes and later to write the journal. Ask your professor if he/she wants you to hand in a copy of your observation notes

Map the Classroom: Draw a picture of the classroom on the back of this sheet. Think: Does the classroom allow for sufficient student movement throughout the day? Do materials used take into account student motor skill development? Is the furniture well-sized for student bodies? Are there any features in the classroom to support student health and/or safety?

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